February 14th, 2013
Chris Rodinis

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/14/nyregion/next-bloomberg-target-plastic-foam-cups.htm

A New To Go Box

What happens when you dine out and don’t finish? Box it up and take it with you. Only now you won’t be using foam plastic, at least not in New York.

As part of the growing “green” trend, the plastic foam container will be exiting the New York market soon. That according to this report from the NY Times.

Mayor Bloomberg is once again pushing his “health of the people and the environment” agenda by proposing a ban on plastic foam food containers in New York city.

Environmentalist are pleased to say the least, since they have tried for years to ban plastic foam containers.

New York’s New Citywide Ban

This from the NY Times “On Thursday, Mr. Bloomberg, in his 12th and final State of the City address, will propose a citywide ban on plastic-foam food packaging, including takeout boxes, cups and trays.”

Bodegas, restaurants and schools must remove the containers as soon as the law goes into effect. After that, the stakeholders must decide on new container material.

Mayor Bloomberg in usual fashion knows how to drive home a point. In fact, he believes that plastic foam containers are akin the dangers of paint containing lead.

“We Can Live Without It”

“We can live without it, we may live longer without it, and the doggie bag will survive just fine,” the Mayor stated in a motherly way. Where else can we apply this principle?

To become law, the ban would need approval by the City Council.

The New York City Council will vote to approve the ban in the near future. When the Mayor proposes his health/environmental issue solutions to the Council, it is an offer they rarely refuse!

According to speaker, Quinn, this ban is good for recycling overall.

The recycling cost analysis debate is favoring the “pro” side for this ban. Here is why. When the city collects, processes and ultimately recycles plastic foam the cost is $20 per ton.

Considering New York produces 12,000 tons of waste per day, the savings could add up. I am just guessing, however, saving $80,000 dollars per day is mine and Mayor Bloomberg’s idea of good governance!

New York has always been a thought leader on these kinds of problems, however, New Yorkers are a little late to the anti-foam party because anti-foam laws are already coded in Seattle and Los Angeles.

Once Again Big Time Props to Mayor Bloomberg! Thank you Mr. Mayor for a job well done!

For more information on green business as well recycling electronics or computers please visit:
www.EwasteWiz.com